Sanibel is famous for its beaches, but it has so much more to offer!

Here are some suggestions:

There is something for everyone here in Sanibel, Florida. Explore the beautiful beaches; participate in outdoor activities on, in, or near the water; enjoy the nightlife. We have information in our condos to help you find your way around and make reservations, but here is a start on planning your itinerary!

Tarpon Bay Recreation, (239-472-8900), tarponbayedxplorers.com | They offer several types of activities. We have tried the kayak trail through Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.
These are guided trips through backbay waters. Also, we’ve done the tram ride through refuge–provides a bit more info than driving through by yourself.

Bike Riding, Billy’s Bike Rentals, (800) 575-8717, billysrentals.com  | Bring your own if arriving by car. If you want to rent for a week, we recommend renting off-site for a better rate. They will deliver bikes to your complex. During peak season, you may want to call ahead to reserve. Twenty-five miles of paved bike paths on Sanibel; biking is limited on Captiva.

Captiva Cruises, (239-472-5300), captivacruises.com | We have taken all-day trips to all four destinations of Captiva Cruises. Boats are nicely appointed with restrooms, snacks, and cocktails. A good narrative of area, history, nature, and dolphin watching. Cabbage Key is one destination for casual lunch and a short hike (the island is tiny). Useppa Island is snobby; service/food at the restaurant was poor. Sunset Cruises and Dolphin Cruises are available for a shorter time.

Adventures in Paradise, (239-472-8443), adventuresInParadiseInc.com  | We have done all three activities. Morning backbay fishing was fun; a good family activity, but probably not for the serious fisherman.  The afternoon sea life encounter by boat is led by a marine biologist. This is a more educational type of trip to learn about the habitat of the Sanibel area. The sunset trip is at sundown. The tram will pick you up at the Sundial front entrance. We have also done the sunset champagne cruise (a few nibbles and a little bubbly during the trip) for the 4th of July fireworks.

Free/Inexpensive Activities

Beachcombing and shelling | Pick up a library book on shells before you come. See how many types you can find. We also have a couple of shelling books in the condo.

Remember–it is unlawful on Sanibel to take live shells. This is a great activity for the whole family. We have been known to get up before daybreak and hunt with a flashlight. Also, shelling is great after a storm. Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is quite interesting if you like shells.

Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge | The pride of Sanibel. Sunset is a great time to drive through. $5 per car or $1 for a bike. We have done both. It’s about 5 miles long. Lots of great wildlife–birds, osprey, eagles, spoonbills, and alligators. Stop at the Visitor Center at the beginning to get more info. Take your time and stop and explore some of the walkways and lookouts.

C.R.O.W. Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife, 3883 SanCap Road, Tours 11 AM Mon.-Fri. and Sunday at 1 PM in season. | The objective is to care for injured or orphaned native
wildlife and return them to the wild. Very interesting.

Fishing | We’re not fishing folks, but the Lighthouse Pier appears to have lots of successful fishermen. Many charters are available–check local publications. Salt and fresh-water fishing.

Tennis & Pickleball | Available at Sundial for a fee. Lighted tennis at Sanibel Recreation Center (5 miles away). Free with Sanibel Rec Center membership.

Cloudy Day Activities

The Everglades | We have done several of the tourist airboats trips. All about the same, but something to see.

Sanibel Farmer’s Market | Not to be missed. Every Sunday November to May 8 am to 1 pm at City Complex on Dunlop.

Shopping | Lots of wonderful boutiques and shops on Sanibel. Guard your credit cards carefully.

Flea Markets | Have been to Fleamasters off I-75 on Martin Luther King Drive north of Myers. Lots of vendors—mostly new stock. Couldn’t get my son away as a child.

Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Myers | Interesting visit to see where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford wintered in the 1800’s.

Restaurants

Casual is the word on Sanibel/Captiva. Many restaurants don’t take reservations; many offer early bird discounts. Most offer children’s menus. Plan to wait for a table during peak season unless you arrive early.

Bubble Room on Captiva | Touristy, but fun. We like the food, a little on the pricey side. Limited parking. This is popular—plan on a wait unless you arrive at 5:30 p.m. The
atmosphere is worth it.

Gramma Dot’s at Sanibel Marina | Turn left on Yachtsman off Periwinkle, limited seating, open-air restaurant, closes around 8 p.m. Try the coconut shrimp

Tuzzi Pazzi | If you want pasta or gourmet pizza, this is the place to go.

Timbers, on Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel | usually ranked as best of the seafood restaurants. You can call ahead to be put on waiting list. Adjoining Sanibel Grill, a sports
bar, has the same food but is less expensive if you buy in basket form.

Traders on Periwinkle | Wonderful food. Small plates up until 6 p.m.

Doc Ford’s | On Tarpon Beach Rd.

Shima’s at Sundial | Hibachi cooking and sushi at Sundial

Mudbugs | Cajun food, music, Happy Hour

Sanibel Cafe on Periwinkle | Very interesting breakfasts, good.

Lighthouse Cafe | A popular breakfast spot–good bike ride from Sundial. On Periwinkle.

Over Easy | New Location in Village Shops on Periwinkle

Sanibel Beaches

Causeway Beaches

19931 Sanibel Causeway Sanibel, FL 33957Great for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and picnicking. Pull your vehicle right to waters edge. There is no fee when you park on the causeway beach. Located along both sides of the road. Restrooms are available. Dogs on leash only. Restrooms. Picnic tables.

Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier, Sanibel Island

110 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, FL 33957This is the site of our historic functioning lighthouse. Located on the eastern tip of Sanibel, wrapping around to the bay side. This is where the fishing pier is and a boardwalk nature trail winding through native wetlands. Turn left on Periwinkle Way from Causeway Road. Restrooms and outdoor shower. Four handicap parking spaces. Bike rack.

Gulfside City Park, Sanibel Island

2001 Algiers Lane Sanibel, FL 33957Picnic tables, BBQ grills and seclusion, located mid-island on Algiers Lane off Casa Ybel Rd. Mid Island. Restrooms and outdoor shower. Three free handicap parking. Bike rack.

Tarpon Beach, Sanibel Island

2475 W. Gulf Drive Sanibel, FL 33957Easy parking for recreational vehicles, and a short hike from the parking lot to the beach. Located at the south end of Tarpon Bay Rd. at West Gulf Drive. Mid Island. Restrooms and outdoor shower at beach entrance.
Bike parking at beach entrance – no fee for bikes. Oversized (20 foot and over) vehicle parking.

Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island

1700 Bowmans Beach Road Sanibel, FL 33957Pristine and quiet. Walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. Outdoor shower located at this beach. BBQ grills and picnic tables. Restrooms, changing rooms and outdoor shower. Oversized (20 foot and over) vehicle parking. Public telephone at restrooms. Nature and fitness trails. Canoe and kayak launching.

Blind Pass Beach, Sanibel Island

6491-6499 Sanibel Captiva Road Sanibel, FL 33957Located on both the Sanibel and Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, this beach is popular with shellers and fishermen. Signs warn against swimming because of the swift currents. Located on Sanibel-Captiva Rd. at Blind Pass Bridge. No restrooms on the Sanibel side; restrooms and outdoor shower on Captiva side. Parking on both sides of Blind Pass bridge.